Chronic Boss Unfiltered

Chronic Boss Scholarship Winners on Building Businesses, Managing Flares, and the Power of Community

What does it look like to build a company while your body is working against you? In this episode, host Lilly Stairs sits down with two Chronic Boss Scholarship recipients who are doing exactly that — and doing it brilliantly. Jolie Wyatt, founder of If the Shoe Fits and newly minted Babson grad, is revolutionizing the footwear industry with custom-fit heels built from 3D foot scanning technology. Amanda Berk, co-founder of Liora Health, is building a digital platform that matches women with chronic conditions to care advocates who show up with them — literally and figuratively — before, during, and after medical appointments. Both women are students, entrepreneurs, community builders, and chronic illness patients navigating it all at once.
 
What makes this conversation so special is how candidly Jolie and Amanda talk about the intersection of chronic illness and entrepreneurship — not as a liability, but as a lens. They cover the very real tension of scheduling your week on a Monday when your Thursday body is completely unpredictable, why stress is the common thread connecting conditions as different as hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic migraine, and how learning to block time for rest (not just work) has been a game-changer. They also share the moments that almost stopped them — including the belief that they weren't "sick enough" to deserve this scholarship — and why they applied anyway.
 
This episode also gets into the power of mentorship and community in a way that will light you up. Both Jolie and Amanda share the relationships that have changed everything for them — from cold DMs that turned into advisory board seats, to connections forged at the Chronic Boss launch party that are still going strong. If you've ever wondered whether putting yourself out there is worth it, this episode is your answer.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why stress is the hidden trigger connecting wildly different chronic conditions — and what Jolie and Amanda each do to stay ahead of it
The scheduling hack that every chronic illness entrepreneur needs (hint: it's not just blocking time for calls)
How to think about transparency with your community, your friends, and your network when you have a chronic condition — and why sharing opens more doors than it closes
Why cold outreach works, even when you have 250 Instagram followers — and how both guests built their advisory boards entirely through DMs
The "not sick enough" myth that almost stopped Amanda from applying to the scholarship — and why that thinking is worth confronting head-on
What the Chronic Boss Scholarship has meant to real recipients over four years and $36,000 in awards
How to build a reciprocal mentorship relationship that actually fills both people's cups
TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] — Welcome & Episode Introduction Lilly sets up the episode and shares why the Chronic Boss Scholarship has been the most rewarding part of running Chronic Boss.
 
[01:30] — Introducing Jolie Wyatt and Amanda Berk Quick intros on both guests: Jolie's custom-fit heels company If the Shoe Fits and Amanda's patient advocacy platform Liora Health.
 
[02:01] — Jolie's Chronic Boss Elevator Pitch Jolie introduces herself, describes the technology behind If the Shoe Fits, and shares her diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa at age nine.
 
[02:54] — Amanda's Chronic Boss Elevator Pitch Amanda walks through her journey from Hashimoto's to chronic migraine, from healthcare communications to grad school, and how it all led to co-founding Liora Health.
 
[04:24] — Managing Chronic Conditions While Building a Business Both guests get honest about day-to-day impact — flare cycles, mental health as a chronic condition, and the emotional weight of being a "doer" whose body doesn't always cooperate.
 
[06:26] — Why Mental Health Belongs Under the Chronic Illness Umbrella Lilly makes the case for reframing mental health conditions as chronic conditions — and why that framing gives them the visibility and depth they deserve.
 
[10:01] — The Monday/Thursday Problem Every Chronic Entrepreneur Knows Jolie names something so many founders feel but rarely say out loud: how you feel and what you can do on Monday is not the same as Thursday, and there's no way to calculate that.
 
[11:20] — Practical Hacks for Juggling Entrepreneurship, School & Chronic Illness Time blocking for breaks (not just tasks), listening to your body before a flare hits, and why rest is a business strategy — not a weakness.
 
[13:51] — The Power of Community and Radical Transparency Amanda and Jolie on being open about their conditions — with friends, founders, and followers — and how that honesty unlocks connection rather than closing doors.
 
[16:55] — Jolie's Origin Story: How If the Shoe Fits Was Born From a business dress day in high school to a prototype she built by hand in Johannesburg — the full arc of four years, multiple pivots, and a manufacturer in New York City.
 
[25:15] — Amanda's Origin Story: How Liora Health Came to Be The four-month migraine flare that changed everything, the realization that women with chronic conditions shouldn't have to navigate the healthcare system alone, and the case for patient advocacy as a sustainable business model.
 
[31:36] — The Role of Mentorship: Jolie & Emily Levy How a cold LinkedIn message before the Chronic Boss launch party turned into one of Jolie's most important mentorship relationships — and the "sit under a tree" advice that still resonates.
 
[38:57] — The Role of Mentorship: Amanda & Alex Wilderson How Amanda cold-DM'd a podcast host she admired, and how that casual FaceTime turned into an advisory board seat, a South by Southwest partnership, and a friendship.
 
[44:05] — The Chronic Boss Scholarship: What It Meant to Each of Them Both guests share how they found the scholarship, the self-doubt that almost kept them from applying, and what it meant to finally feel seen.
 
[52:25] — What Does Being a Chronic Boss Mean to You? Closing reflections from both guests on wearing your chronic illness on your sleeve, the superpowers it gives you, and what it means to live fully — not just between flares.
 
Connect with Jolie & If the Shoe Fits:🖤 / instagram.com/iftheshoefits.co 
🖤 / linkedin.com/in/joliewyatt 
🖤 / iftheshoefits.co
 
Connect with Amanda & Liora Health: 
🖤 / instagram.com/liorahealthadvocates 
🖤 / liorahealth.io 
🖤 / linkedin.com/in/amanda-berk
 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco
 
 Connect with Lilly:
🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs 

She Quit Drinking, Stopped Scaling, and Built a Mental Health-First Business with Lauren Perna

What if your mental health struggles weren’t holding you back, but actually shaping you into a stronger, more intentional leader?
In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Lauren Perna, founder, multi-entrepreneur, storyteller, and Chief Community Officer of Chronic Boss. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a business while living with anxiety, depression, and the pressure to constantly do more.
From launching her agency during uncertainty to redefining success on her own terms, Lauren shares how she has learned to work with her mental health instead of against it, and why honoring your limits might be your greatest advantage.
You’ll hear why:
Anxiety can be a powerful tool for accountability and responsiveness
Depression can deepen empathy and help you build stronger communities
You don’t have to scale your business just because everyone else is
Community is essential for sustainable entrepreneurship
Networking should be strategic and not burn you out
Sharing your story can create real impact, but boundaries still matter
Sobriety and mental health are more connected than we talk about
And perhaps most powerfully of all, Lauren explains why building a business that protects your nervous system is just as important as building one that grows your revenue.
This conversation is part founder story, part mental health reality check, and part permission slip to build a life that actually works for you.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Can my mental health actually make me better at what I do?
Do I have to scale to be successful?
How much of my story should I share publicly?
Can I build a business without burning out?
This episode is for you.
In This Episode, We Cover:
1:16 Lauren’s “chronic boss” elevator pitch and living with anxiety and depression 2:25 The unexpected path to starting her business 4:45 The highs and lows of entrepreneurship 7:30 Why community is critical for founders 8:00 How to network strategically without burning out 11:57 The pressure to scale and choosing not to 13:21 Redefining success on your own terms 17:54 Why not everyone wants to be “the boss” 18:24 Realizing mental health is a chronic condition 22:16 Sharing your story and where to draw the line 30:03 Lauren’s sobriety journey and its impact on mental health 34:04 Navigating alcohol culture in business settings 37:56 Mental health and sustainable success 38:14 What being a “chronic boss” really means
Attend the Mentally Fit Founder Event May 14, 2026
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-founder-stories-stories-reflection-and-guided-conversation-tickets-1986648187207
 
Connect with Lauren: ✨/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenelizabethperna/ ✨/ Lauren Perna Communications: https://www.laurenperna.com/ 
✨/ Mentally Fit Founder: https://mentallyfitfounder.com/ 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco
 Connect with Lilly:
🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs 

From Paralyzed Overnight to Powerhouse Pharma Exec with Jess March

What if your chronic illness wasn’t a liability—but one of your greatest leadership advantages?
In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Jess March, pharmaceutical executive, patient advocate, mom, and longtime leader in the rare disease space. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a meaningful, high-impact career while living with multiple chronic conditions—and why lived experience belongs in the room where healthcare decisions get made.
Jess shares how waking up paralyzed at 29 with multiple sclerosis forced her to reimagine everything she thought her life would be—and how that journey ultimately sharpened her ambition, deepened her leadership, and transformed the way she thinks about work, advocacy, and impact.
You’ll hear why:
Your lived experience is not a weakness—it’s strategic insight
Advocacy should not be a side hustle, especially in healthcare
Patients need to be in leadership rooms, not brought in after decisions are made
Disclosure at work is deeply personal—but can also unlock connection and community
Energy management is a form of intentional leadership
Boundaries are not a sign that you’re less ambitious—they’re how you protect your health and sustain your goals
And perhaps most powerfully of all: Jess explains why chronic illness didn’t take her ambition away—it clarified it.
This conversation is part career conversation, part leadership lesson, and part reminder that chronic illness may change your path, but it does not define your potential.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Can I still be ambitious after a diagnosis? How do I navigate disclosure in a corporate environment?Can chronic illness actually make me a stronger leader?
This episode is for you.
In This Episode, We Cover:
 1:17 Jess’s MS diagnosis and waking up paralyzed at 29 5:30 How she built a 25-year career in pharma and rare disease 9:21 Why lived experience is a strategic advantage in healthcare 11:30 Why advocacy is not a side hustle 14:11 Navigating disclosure at work with chronic illness 17:35 Energy management, spoon theory, and sustainable success 20:59 Boundaries, ambition, and protecting your health 24:40 What patient leadership in healthcare should really look like 27:40 Advice for people with chronic illness who want to lead and advocate 31:08 What being a chronic boss means to Jess
Connect with Jess March ✨/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-march/ ✨/ Chronic Boss Hub: https://chronicboss.com/jessica-march/ 
Mentions ✨ / Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: mymsaa.org  ✨ / Autoimmune Association: autoimmune.org 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco
 Connect with Lilly:
🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs

The Chronic Economy is the $100B Market Hiding in Plain Sight with Michelle Irving

What if chronic illness wasn’t a burden—but the foundation of a whole new economy?
In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Michelle Irving, chronic founder, career visionary, and the mind behind the term “the chronic economy.” Together, they unpack how millions of people living with chronic conditions are reshaping work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of business—often without realizing it.
Michelle shares how being diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune condition forced her to redesign her career from the ground up—and how that journey led her to build two global businesses, advise executives, and create frameworks that help people pursue ambition without burning their bodies to the ground.
You’ll hear why:
30%+ of the workforce lives with chronic conditions—and why calling them a “burden” is wildly outdated
The chronic economy is already worth billions (and still invisible to most leaders)
Most chronically ill professionals are overcompensating, not underperforming
Sustainable work isn’t about accommodations—it’s about redesigning how work gets done
AI may actually make chronic work strategies mainstream for everyone
And perhaps most jaw-dropping of all: Michelle takes one full week off every month—no meetings, no email, no guilt—and explains exactly how she built a business that doesn’t need her to survive.
This conversation is part big-picture vision, part practical roadmap, and part permission slip for chronic founders, professionals, and leaders who know there has to be a better way.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Can I be ambitious and chronically ill?
Is it possible to build a business or career that actually works with my body?
What does sustainable success really look like?
This episode is for you.
In This Episode, We Cover:
4:11 What the chronic economy is—and why it’s just getting started
13:05 Chronic founders, entrepreneurship, and redefining ambition
20:07 Boundaries, pricing, and saying no without burning bridges
25:03 Why “performing wellness” is draining talent at work
27:32 How AI is changing capacity, admin, and leadership
40:01 What it really means to be a chronic boss
Connect with Michelle Irving
✨ Websites: https://www.chronicillnessatwork.com/
✨ http://careerandchronicillness.com/
✨ LinkedIn - @michelleirvingofficial
✨Instagram: @michelleirvingofficial
Mentions
Leadership Series: https://www.careerandchronic.com/chronicleadership (Feb 2026)
Ambition Program: https://www.careerandchronic.com/ambition

Meet the Woman Behind the Mic: From Hospital Bed to CEO with Lilly Stairs

In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, our host Lilly Stairs opens up about her journey from chronic illness patient to powerhouse advocate and entrepreneur. With colleague and friend Lauren Perna stepping in as interviewer, listeners get a raw, honest look at the experiences that shaped Lilly’s mission-driven career.
Lilly’s story begins with early diagnoses—psoriasis at age seven and OCD during her teen years—and takes a life-altering turn when she is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease at 19. These challenges sparked her passion for patient advocacy at a time when the field was still largely undefined.
Throughout the episode, Lilly traces the evolution of her career: establishing herself in advocacy, launching her consultancy Patient Authentic to elevate patient voices in healthcare, and creating Chronic Boss, a community for ambitious women navigating chronic conditions while pursuing big goals.
The conversation highlights core themes of Lilly’s work—owning your narrative, prioritizing mental health, recognizing burnout, and redefining ambition through a chronic illness lens. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience and drive can coexist, and that women with chronic conditions deserve space to lead, build, and thrive.
Themes: 
OCD is widely misunderstood and often hidden in plain sight.
A lack of autoimmune awareness propelled her into patient advocacy.
Patient advocacy remains an emerging—and deeply needed—field in healthcare.
Lilly founded Patient Authentic to help organizations meaningfully engage patients.
Daily routines and boundaries are essential for chronic illness entrepreneurs.
Chronic Boss was built to empower ambitious women living with chronic conditions.
Owning one’s story creates personal and professional strength.
Burnout awareness is crucial for protecting mental health.
Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction 01:59 — Early Health Journey: Psoriasis and Childhood Resilience 04:06 — Mental Health in Focus: Understanding OCD 08:32 — Age 19: Diagnoses That Shifted Everything 12:21 — The Spark of Patient Advocacy 14:02 — Building a Career Rooted in Advocacy 18:00 — The Launch of Patient Authentic 21:44 — Patient Authentic’s Mission and Impact 24:32 — The Creation of Chronic Boss 27:32 — Empowering Ambitious Women with Chronic Illness 29:29 — Entrepreneurship, Flexibility, and Balance 33:38 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Mental Health 36:24 — What’s Next for Chronic Boss
 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 chronicboss.com🖤 Instagram🖤 LinkedIn🖤 TikTok
 
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 lillystairs.com🖤 LinkedIn🖤 Instagram
 

The Exit That Saved Me: Building & Selling a Business Through Chronic Pain with Meg Block

In this episode of the Chronic Boss Unfiltered Podcast, Our host Lilly Stairs sits down with Meg Block, the incredible powerhouse behind Boston Moms. Meg gets real about what it was like to build and scale a business in the middle of a global pandemic while battling the debilitating pain of trigeminal neuralgia. We dive into the messy middle — the sleepless nights, the pressure of motherhood, and the weight of carrying a brand on her back while her body was begging her to slow down.
 
Meg opens up about how deeply her identity became intertwined with her company, and the moment she realized that staying in constant hustle mode was costing her her health. Her decision to sell Boston Moms wasn’t a step back; it was a radical act of self-preservation and clarity.
This conversation is such a powerful reminder for every woman — especially my fellow chronic bosses — that caring for ourselves isn’t optional. It’s the foundation. Meg’s story is a testament to what happens when we choose connection, community, and our own wellbeing over the narrative that we have to do it all, all the time.
If you’re navigating chronic illness, entrepreneurship, or simply trying to keep all the plates spinning, Meg’s journey will speak straight to your soul.
Themes:
How Meg built Boston Moms in the middle of COVID chaos — and found purpose through the uncertainty.
Behind the scenes, she was carrying intense chronic pain from trigeminal neuralgia.
Growing a business while managing a chronic condition pushed her to her limits.
Self-care wasn’t a luxury — its a lifeline.
Community wasn’t just part of her mission; it was part of her own healing.
She had a powerful realization: her identity had become too wrapped up in her business.
Being a chronic boss isn’t about doing everything — it’s about proving to yourself that you can rise, even in the hard moments.
Chapters
Timestamps: 
00:00 Building Boston Moms Amidst Chaos
14:57 Navigating Chronic Pain and Motherhood
29:45 The Turning Point: Selling the Business
45:11 Self-Care and the Journey to Healing
29:04 Finding Balance: The Dangers of Identity in Work
30:38 The Summer of Mama: Prioritizing Family Over Work
33:26 Realizations and Reflections: What is Enough?
36:44 The Decision to Sell: Finding Peace in Transition
41:00 Navigating the Exit Process: Women in Business
47:20 Advice for Chronic Pain Warriors: Prioritizing Self-Care
51:14 Embracing the Journey: What it Means to be a Chronic Boss
 
Connect with Meg Block:
✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-saunders-block/ 
✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmegblock/ 
 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 chronicboss.com🖤 Instagram🖤 LinkedIn🖤 TikTok
 
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 lillystairs.com🖤 LinkedIn🖤 Instagram

Toxic Grit: Why Your “Success” Might Actually Be a Panic Attack with Amanda Goetz

This episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered brings a deeply resonant conversation between host Lilly Stairs and Amanda Goetz, a two-time founder and author of Toxic Grit. Together, they explore the collision of high ambition, chronic stress, and the wake-up calls that force leaders — especially women — to rethink how they’re operating.
Amanda shares her transformational health journey, including the moment she went from the boardroom to the ER, and how that experience cracked open a deeper understanding of burnout and the pressure to “do it all.” The discussion digs into character theory, a powerful tool for understanding the different roles we embody, and how embracing intentional imbalance can create a more sustainable, fulfilling rhythm of life.
Listeners will walk away with a redefined perspective on success — one that prioritizes intention over hustle, honors personal capacity, and encourages reclaiming time before the body demands it. This conversation is a refreshing, unapologetic call to rewrite the scripts that keep so many chronic bosses stuck in cycles of depletion.
 
What You’ll Learn:
Early signals of burnout must be recognized and respected to protect long-term well-being.
Character theory offers a framework for understanding the various identities individuals occupy throughout their lives.
Intentional imbalance allows space for shifting priorities based on season, energy, and personal needs.
Reclaiming time shouldn’t be reserved for weekends; it’s essential for daily fulfillment.
Smooth transitions between life roles require awareness, rituals, and boundaries.
Toxic grit is defined as hustling without clarity, alignment, or intention.
Success should never be one-dimensional — a holistic view is both healthier and more empowering.
Personal operating rhythms help build a grounded, sustainable lifestyle.
Examining the “scripts” shaping decisions leads to more agency and authenticity.
Timestamps:
00:00 — Introducing Amanda Goetz + The Story Behind Toxic Grit
01:54 — From the Boardroom to the ER: Amanda’s Health Crisis
07:35 — Burnout’s Warning Signs and Why They Matter
10:43 — Character Theory Explained
18:22 — How Intentional Imbalance Creates Space for What Matters
23:54 — Reclaiming the Five-to-Nine Beyond the Workday
28:34 — Rituals and Awareness for Transitioning Between Characters
34:03 — Understanding the True Meaning of Toxic Grit
37:24 — “Having It All” — But in the Right Season
43:18 — Practical Steps Toward Sustainable, Aligned Ambition
 
Connect with Amanda Goetz:
✨Toxic Grit Book: https://www.amazon.com/toxic-grit-have-actually-love/dp/146423325x 
✨LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoetz/ 
✨Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ 
✨Newsletter: https://amandagoetz.kit.com/posts
✨Website: https://www.amandagoetz.com/ 
 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 chronicboss.com🖤 Instagram🖤 LinkedIn🖤 TikTok
 
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 lillystairs.com🖤 LinkedIn🖤 Instagram
 

The Business Strategy No One Talks About…That Built My Entire Career

This solo episode digs into the transformative power of giving—especially for women navigating career growth, advocacy, and the realities of living with autoimmune conditions. Through personal stories and lived experience, the conversation explores how authentic, aligned giving can open doors, build community, and spark meaningful change. It also highlights the importance of protecting mental health and honoring boundaries, reminding listeners that giving is most impactful when it comes from abundance rather than obligation. By weaving together advocacy, business strategy, and self-care, the episode encourages women to lead with their values, share their stories, and use generosity as a catalyst for both personal and professional growth.
 
Themes:
Giving can be a powerful force for opportunity and change.
Authentic generosity thrives when it comes from abundance, not pressure.
Advocacy often begins with personal lived experience and expands into broader impact.
Community building is a cornerstone of meaningful, sustainable advocacy.
Showing up authentically can accelerate career growth and deepen connection.
Clear boundaries protect mental health and prevent burnout.
Empathy and intuition are powerful assets in business and leadership.
Self-care is part of the giving equation—pouring into yourself matters.
Infusing generosity into business strategy can drive deeper success and alignment.
00:00 — The Power of Giving
02:05 — Balancing Giving and Self-Care
05:44 — Reflection and Integration of Giving
 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 chronicboss.com🖤 Instagram🖤 LinkedIn🖤 TikTok
 
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 lillystairs.com🖤 LinkedIn🖤 Instagram

The Car Accident that Changed Everything: Tiffany Yu on Rewriting Disability and the Anti-ableism Movement

In this conversation of the Chronic Boss Unfiltered Podcast Tiffany Yu shares her inspiring journey as the founder of Diversability, a disability-owned community business. She discusses her personal experiences with disability, the evolution of her identity, and the importance of community in fostering disability pride. Tiffany reflects on the key moments that shaped Diversability from a student club into a global organization, and she highlights the impact of her TikTok series and the Anti-Ablism Manifesto in advocating for disability rights and inclusion. In this conversation, Tiffany Yu shares her journey of navigating life with a disability, her advocacy work, and the creation of her book, 'The Anti-Ablest Manifesto.' She discusses the importance of community, the impact of her content on the disability community, and her aspirations for the future. Tiffany emphasizes the need for action-oriented advocacy and the significance of finding magic in one's identity, while also addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. What You’ll Learn: The importance of community in embracing one's identity.
The proverb 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' shaped her understanding of identity. Diversability started as a student club and evolved into a global organization. Key inflection points for Diversability included community events and leadership transitions. The pandemic prompted a shift to virtual events for Diversability. Tiffany's TikTok series on disability has gained significant traction and views. Content creation has connected Tiffany with others in the disability community. The Anti-Ablest Manifesto aims to empower individuals and organizations. Community is essential for personal growth and acceptance. Grief and gratitude can coexist in the journey of self-acceptance. Tiffany's book serves as a legacy for disability advocacy. The importance of action-oriented advocacy in creating change. Rediscovering joy and playfulness is vital for well-being. Finding their unique voice and community. Success is defined by self-acceptance and integrity.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Yu and Diversability
03:15 Tiffany's Personal Journey and Identity
10:31 The Evolution of Diversability
22:55 The Anti-Ablism Manifesto and TikTok Success
24:57 Navigating Life with a Disability
25:53 Creating Content for the Disability Community
28:12 The Journey to Writing a Book
30:34 The Anti-Ablest Manifesto: Purpose and Impact
35:45 Finding Magic in Disability
41:16 Legacy and Future Aspirations
 
Connect with Tiffany Yu:
✨Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com/bio
✨ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtiffanyyu
✨Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imtiffanyyu
✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imtiffanyyu
 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 
🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 
🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 
🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco
 
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 
🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 
🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs

The Four Rs to Rebuild Your Health After Autoimmune Diagnosis with Dr. Kara Wada

In this insightful and empowering episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Dr. Kara Wada — quadruple board-certified physician, autoimmune warrior, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As both doctor and patient, Kara bridges two worlds with empathy, expertise, and authenticity.
Diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome after years of symptoms and normal lab results, Kara experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate chronic illness — even as a medical professional. What began as a personal health struggle has evolved into her mission to transform the patient experience and redefine what it means to thrive with autoimmunity.
Together, Lilly and Kara unpack the intersection of medicine, mindset, and self-advocacy. They discuss Kara’s Four Rs framework for healing, the “Perfect Storm” concept behind autoimmune disease, and how Kara built a values-driven medical practice rooted in compassion and connection. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and reclaiming your health on your own terms.
 
 What You’ll Learn:
How Kara’s journey from physician to patient reshaped her approach to medicine
Why Sjogren’s syndrome is often missed — and how to advocate for answers
The multifactorial nature of autoimmune disease and the “Perfect Storm” concept
How Kara’s Four Rs framework empowers patients to take back control of their health
The importance of aligning your career and purpose with your personal values
Why community and mentorship are essential for women in healthcare and entrepreneurship
How authenticity and vulnerability foster deeper trust between doctors and patients
Timestamps:
(00:00) – Introduction(02:40) – From Physician to Patient: Kara’s unexpected diagnosis and personal awakening(05:38) – Understanding Sjogren’s Syndrome: Misdiagnosis, symptoms, and stigma(08:42) – Women and Autoimmunity: Why women’s health is often overlooked(11:43) – Shifting Perspectives: How chronic illness deepened Kara’s empathy as a doctor(14:42) – Building a Patient-Centered Practice: The birth of the Immune Confident Institute(20:34) – The Perfect Storm Concept: What triggers autoimmunity and how to manage it(33:01) – The Four Rs Framework: A roadmap for healing and empowerment(38:54) – Entrepreneurship with Purpose: Balancing medicine, business, and motherhood(45:45) – Authenticity in Healthcare: The power of sharing your story
Connect with Dr. Kara Wada:
✨Website: https://www.drkarawada.com/
✨ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drkarawada
✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/
✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarawada/
 
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 
🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 
🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 
🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco
 
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 
🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 
🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs