Myelin & Melanin

Today we are joined by Dr. Linda Chavers, Ph.D. We chat about her MS story, racial "healing" in 2020, and a recent article she wrote in the Boston Globe on race, racism, and white people. Linda Chavers is a Lecturer in the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard. She completed her Ph.D. in African American Studies with a focus on literature in 2013 from Harvard University. She writes essays and memoir for various publications such as Gawker, Dame, Elle, The Offing, and Rumpus. She's also a fellow MSer. Find Linda online at her website: www.lindachaverswrites.com; find her socials there. The article we discuss in the episode can be found here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/09/magazine/what-too-many-white-people-still-dont-understand-about-racism/ You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Today we are joined by MS advocate, white ally (we don't use that word frivolously) and fellow MSer, Meggie Young. We chat about white privilege, representation, and being a good human. Find Meggie on Instagram and Twitter @meggieandms. Check her out. Side note: She posts the most creative Instagram "Stories"... You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Join us as we continue the intimacy conversation with YouTuber and fellow MSer, Tanya-Marie Paul. We discuss dating, cringe-worthy reflections, and the fear that accompanies all of it. Find Tanya-Marie on Instagram and Twitter @tanyamarie_p. Check her YouTube channel -- just search "Tanya-Marie P" You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

The murder of George Floyd and the subsequent "awakening" of white America has caused folks and organizations to take inventory of how Blackness operates (or not) in their spaces. Join us for a conversation about the concept of "representation". What does it really mean? You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We're keeping the intimacy going. Join us for a conversation with poet, spoken word artist & author Sonya Renee Taylor (The Body Is Not An Apology) and Registered Dietitian and fellow MS Warrior Anna Sweeney about intimacy, disability, and the body. How does radical self-love fit into the equation? Find Sonya on Instagram @sonyareneetaylor and on her website http://sonyareneetaylor.com You can find Anna on Instagram and Twitter @dietitiananna as well as her website: http://wholelifeRD.com You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

It's World MS Day. It's also the series finale of our 10-part series "That Part: Intimacy and MS". We are joined, today by one of our favorite people -- neurologist and MS specialist Dr. Aaron Boster, MD. Don't miss this frank, funny, and important episode. Find Dr. Boster on Twitter @aaronbostermd and YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQopiiFbAo0zS_9BmRF3Bg You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Our series on sex, intimacy & MS continues. Join us for our second ever Myelin & Melanin Party Line featuring veteran partiers Ardra Shephard (http://trippingonair.com), Damian Washington (http://youtube.com/nostressms), Carlos Kareem Windham (https://www.facebook.com/Smoke-Mirrors-103308618043063) & our newest guest Beth (http://bethybrightanddark.com). Stay tuned for an after-hours, unfiltered conversation about sex, and more. You won't want to miss it. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Our Intimacy series continues. We are diving deeper! Join us as we talk with Occupational Therapist, Audra Indermuehle, and Physical Therapist, Dr. Gretchen Hawley, about -- you guessed it -- SEX. Yep, THAT part. You don't want to miss these engaging conversations. You can find Dr. Hawley on IG @doctor.gretchen, on YouTube and on her website http://doctorgretchenhawley.com. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Our intimacy series continues. Join us for another engaging conversation with the always amazing Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams, MD. We talk about MS, intimacy, and adapting to "new normals". You can find Dr. Williams on Instagram @thenerdyneurologist and on her website at https://joilifewellness.com/ You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Join us for Layer 6, Part 2 of our Sex Therapy Roundtable with some of our former guests and friends in the MS community. Episode 69, apropos. You can find Carlos on IG @elcaballonegrito, Kerry @spicemankmd and Rosani @rosanichristy. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Over the past several weeks, we've been discussing self-love, self-acceptance, honesty, transparency -- all of the things that set the foundation for a healthy intimate relationship. This week, we're changing positions. Join us for Layer 6, Part 1 of our Sex Therapy Roundtable with some of our former guests and friends in the MS community. You can find Carlos on IG @elcaballonegrito, Kerry @spicemankmd and Rosani @rosanichristy. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production, and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We're getting deep. Honesty, truth, and transparency are key elements in a loving relationship -- and absolutely essential for an intimate relationship. What happens when they're missing? Join us for Layer 5 -- a conversation with Amir Ali, as he reflects on his experiences with Daana. You don't want to miss this engaging discussion. You also get a sneak peek of Amir's poetry, as we close our National Poetry Month... You can find Amir on IG @a_mans_inner_reflections. His chapbook, 'Granddaddy's Soul and Some of Mine" is forthcoming. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We're peeling back the layers of self-love, self-acceptance, and other elements that help nurture a healthy intimate relationship. Today we are joined by a near and dear friend of Dawn's -- Byron Fogan. We discuss a very important question: "Can you truly receive love if you don't love yourself?" You can find Byron on Instagram @sober_shyt. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We continue our series, That Part: Intimacy & MS with a bonus episode about self-acceptance with singer, motivational speaker and disability advocate A Hot MS -- Britt Quiroz. We know that self-love is the first step to forming an intimate relationship, but how can you love yourself if you haven't accepted yourself? Tune in to this engaging conversation. You can find A Hot MS on her website http://ahotms.com, on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @ahotms. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Welcome back to our series "That Part: Intimacy & MS" -- we're peeling back the layers, and this is Layer 2. Join us for our first ever self-love round table featuring Keyonna Renea, Jasmine & Dr. April Moreno, Ph.D. You won't want to miss this engaging conversation. You can find Keyonna on IG @keyonna.renea or her website http://keyonnarenea.com. Find Jasmine on IG @poetic_khaos. You can find April on her website at http://doctoraprilwellness.com and IG @doctoraprilwellness. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We know that self-love is the genesis of any intimate relationship -- its power cannot be overstated. Join us for Layer 1 of "That Part: Intimacy and MS" -- our first-ever multi-part series on intimacy and MS. This week, we are joined by boudoir photographer, body coach, and fellow MSer, Keyonna Renea. She talks about what self-love means to her. Stay tuned for an exciting few weeks! You can find her on IG @keyonna.renea as well as her website http://keyonnarenea.com You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

When "business as usual" goes wrong. Join us for this bonus episode as we chat with Sydney B. and our favorite guest co-host, Carlos Kareem Windham. Part 2 of this episode can be found on our Patreon at http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Being asked "what you do" when you're on SSDI can be triggering for many MSers. Join us for a conversation with fellow MSer and content creator Kiki Charles as we grapple with this topic. Please forgive the sound quality of this episode. You can find Kiki on Instagram and Twitter @kikicharles. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We are joined in Episode 58 by comedians Rosani Christy and Carlos Kareem Windham (also our favorite guest co-host) for a conversation about comedy, disability, and MS. You can find Rosani on Instagram @rosanichristy. You can find Carlos @elcballonegrito (also, just Google him). You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon — patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Tune in for a conversation with marketing professional, author & cultural critic Frederick T. Joseph. We chat bout intersectionality, representation, visibility & MS. Find Frederick on Instagram and Twitter at @FredTJoseph. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Join us for a conversation with registered dietitian and MS Warrior, Anna Sweeney, MS, CEDRD-S. We chat about diet and wellness culture, problematic "curative" MS diets, privilege, intuitive eating and more. Stay tuned for this enlightening conversation. You can find Anna on Instagram and Twitter @dietitiananna as well as her website: http://wholelifeRD.com You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Join us for Part II of our series on stress, chronic illness & Black health, featuring Psychologist Dr. Donald Grant, Jr., PsyD. We talk about oppression. intergenerational trauma, as well as the physiological manifestations of stress. We also discuss links to chronic illness. Could there possibly be a link between intergenerational trauma and MS in Black people? Dr. Grant is a socio-cultural analyst and mental health expert who has served as an educator, media analyst, child welfare administrator, trainer, presenter, and social services advocate. Dr. Grant currently occupies two roles as the Executive Director of Mindful Training Solutions, LLC (MTS) and Executive Director of Pacific Oaks College's Center for Community and Social Impact. Find him on Twitter at @DrGrantJr and Instagram at @dr_grant. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Join us for Part I of our series on stress, chronic illness & Black health, featuring Psychologist Dr. Donald Grant, Jr., PsyD. We talk about oppression. intergenerational trauma, as well as the physiological manifestations of stress. We also discuss links to chronic illness. Could there possibly be a link between intergenerational trauma and MS in Black people? Dr. Grant is a socio-cultural analyst and mental health expert who has served as an educator, media analyst, child welfare administrator, trainer, presenter, and social services advocate. Dr. Grant currently occupies two roles as the Executive Director of Mindful Training Solutions, LLC (MTS) and Executive Director of Pacific Oaks College's Center for Community and Social Impact. Find him on Twitter at @DrGrantJr and Instagram at @dr_grant. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. Also, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We are joined today by Sydney B. to reflect with us on navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman with MS, and the unique challenges that we face. You can find Sydney on Instagram @thesydneyrae. You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. In addition, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Join us as we talk with one of our favorite guests -- neurologist & MS specialist Dr. Aaron Boster, MD. We chat about clinicians' responsibility to know and respect their patients' "TMI thresholds", and the problematic nature of MS "categories". We also talk about Dr. Boster's new practice -- The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis! Check it out at http://www.bosterms.com You can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. In addition, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

We made it to 50! To celebrate this milestone, join us for the first-ever Myelin & Melanin Party Line! The party line is an opportunity for us to talk with some of our faves in the MS Community about provocative topics in the MS world. Today we are joined by Ardra Shephard (www.trippingonair.com), Damian Washington (http://youtube.com/nostressms) and Carlos Kareem Windham (https://www.instagram.com/elcaballonegrito). You don't want to miss this engaging conversation. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. In addition, if you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Join us for the Season 3 opener as we talk with noted neurologist & MS specialist Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams, MD. We talk about narratives surrounding MS in the Black population, resilience and more. You don't want to miss this engaging conversation. You can find Dr. Williams on Instagram @thenerdyneurologist and on her website at https://joilifewellness.com/ You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Consider supporting us through our Patreon -- http://patreon.com/myelinmelanin. Patrons can gain access to exclusive content, Myelin & Melanin swag & more. Your support helps us offset the cost of maintaining our website, paying for our remote recording technology, music, podcast & merchandise production and more. As we do not get paid to produce the podcast, these are costs that come out of our pockets. This can often be a struggle. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Season 2 ended a few weeks ago, but in the spirit of gratitude and thanks, please enjoy this bonus episode. In this episode, we talk with neurologist and MS specialist Dr. Brandon Beaber about his recently published book 'Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis', and how resilience is an ever-changing concept for people who face adversity like MS. You can find Dr. Beaber on Twitter @brandon_beaber, and on his YouTube channel. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. We'll be back for Season 3 in January 2020, but stay tuned to our social media and YouTube channel for videos, additional bonus episodes and more. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star review on Apple Podcasts. Stream the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Peace!

Tune in as we are joined once again by one of our favorite MS bloggers, Ardra Shephard. We talk about social media, sharing our stories, and how our coping has changed throughout the many years since our diagnosis. You can check out Ardra's blog at trippingonair.com. Find her on social media by searching for Tripping on Air. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Peace!

Join us as we talk with award-winning poet, author, and activist, Sonya Renee Taylor about her book 'The Body is Not An Apology' and changing our internal narrative about what "normal" is in this ableist society. Joining Daana. and sitting in for Dawn today as guest co-host is Carlos Kareem Windham (who you'll remember from our series "Beyond Montel: Black Men and MS"). You don't want to miss this important and engaging conversation. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Peace!

Join us for a conversation with MS YouTube Vlogger Damian Washington about holding space, toxic positivity, and dealing with tone-deaf responses about MS. You can find Damian on Instagram, Twitter and his MS YouTube vlog "No Stress MS" You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Peace!

Tune in as we are joined again by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Virginia Seewaldt, PhD. We talk with her about the Ring Theory of Support, staying in your lane, and toxic positivity. Don't miss this engaging conversation. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Peace!

When one person is diagnosed with MS, their entire family is diagnosed, by extension. Join us for a candid and heartwarming conversation with Daana's sister, Courtney who shares her experiences about how MS has impacted her. You don't want to miss this amazing conversation. You can find Courtney on Facebook (Courtney Townsend) and Instagram @i_am_courtneyclare. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Peace!

Join us for another exciting conversation with the incomparable neurologist/MS specialist -- Dr. Aaron Boster, MD. Dr. Boster shares his thoughts about: his MS DMTs of choice; what DMTs he'd never recommend for certain MS patients; MS hacks he's learned from patients over the years, and just general love and light. Find him on Twitter and YouTube @AaronBosterMD. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. Peace!

Join us as we discuss neuroplasticity, virtual physical therapy, and the importance of a PT who specializes in MS, with the physical therapist and certified MS specialist Dr. Gretchen Hawley, DPT. You don't want to miss this intriguing conversation. You can find Dr. Hawley on IG @doctor.gretchen, on YouTube and on her website http://doctorgretchenhawley.com. You can find US on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also check us out on YouTube. Peace!

Tune in as we chat with the fabulous Ardra Shephard -- Ms. Tripping on Air -- about summer hacks for MSers, hypothetical MS swag bags (an awesome idea, right?), underwear you can get drunk and pee your pants in, and internalized ableism. You don't want to miss it. You can check her blog out at http://trippingonair.com (she's on Instagram @ms_trippingonair and Twitter @tripping_onair) You can find US on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also check us out on YouTube. Peace!

Join us for the final installment -- Part 3 -- of our series "Beyond Montel: Black Masculinity and MS". We are joined again by writer, lecturer, and comedian Carlos Kareem Windham (find him on Twitter @caballonegrito and IG @elcaballonegrito). Today, we explore the concept of living in the moment, and what it means to be present. We also delve into work and health in historical context as well as gender, masculinity and why representation matters. You can find US on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com , Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also check us out on YouTube. Peace!

Join us for Part 2 of our series "Beyond Montel: Black Men and MS" as we are joined again by writer, lecturer and comedian Carlos Kareem Windham (find him on Twitter @caballonegrito and IG @elcaballonegrito). Today, we explore the concepts of acceptance, adaptation and adjustment as it relates to MS. Where does acceptance fit on the continuum? And what about awareness? Awakening? Authenticity? Tune in as we explore these issues. You can find US on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com , Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ0XzvBpSJKqm9b-aaY6pZg?). Peace!

We love Montel Williams. Full stop. Having said that, though, Montel does not represent all Black men. In fact, given the lack of representation, you'd think that Richard Pryor and Montel Williams are the only Black men who've ever had MS. Okay, that was an over-exaggeration, but you get the point. The narratives of Black men living with MS are noticeably missing from the MS story. Join us for part 1 of our series "Beyond Montel: Black Men and MS" as we talk with writer, lecturer and comedian Carlos Kareem Windham about his MS journey. Find him on Twitter @caballonegrito and IG @elcaballonegrito. You can find US on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com , Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ0XzvBpSJKqm9b-aaY6pZg?). Peace!

We're back. Did you miss us? We apologize for our unplanned absence. MS and health issues have reared their ugly heads. Join us as we reflect on the critical importance of self-advocacy as Daana shares insight about her recent (current) healthcare nightmare. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com , Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ0XzvBpSJKqm9b-aaY6pZg?). Peace!

This week, another celebrity publicly disclosed an MS diagnosis. Art Alexakis, from the band Everclear, announced his recent MS diagnosis on Instagram and in an open letter to his fans on the band's website. Almost immediately, there were people (namely MSers) who expressed confusion about the information he touted about his "prognosis" (in and of itself, a precarious word to use to describe MS). On one of the last days of MS Awareness Month, join us as we discuss the importance of celebrities (and perhaps their neurologists) using their platforms to disseminate clear, honest and realistic information about multiple sclerosis. The amount of conflicting information often spread about the disease makes it confusing, and creates unrealistic expectations about this unrelenting disease. You can find US on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com , Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also check us out on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ0XzvBpSJKqm9b-aaY6pZg?). Peace!

MS has been all over the media this week! First, it was the sighting of actress Selma Blair (who disclosed she has MS via Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/p/BpKjP_7FnWQ/ -- in October 2018) with her fabulous cane on the red carpet at the 2019 Oscars. Then, fast forward to the interview she did with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America a few days later. Her candid, brave and transparent interview has been the talk of social media. And for good reason -- it is rare that chronic illness and disability are given any visibility (especially in Hollywood). It was a beautiful moment. The awareness she brought to multiple sclerosis is priceless. Join us as we share our reflections on Selma Blair's interview, as well as discuss the concept of disability visibility. We also discuss an article written by one of our favorite MS bloggers -- @ms_trippingonair | (www.trippingon air.com), titled "Why Is Selma Blair So Important Right Now", and how her discussion of mobility aids mirrors our own realities. You can find us on the web at www.myelinandmelanin.com, on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @myelinmelanin and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ0XzvBpSJKqm9b-aaY6pZg?). Love and Light.

Masta Ace is a global hip-hop artist whose career has spanned over three decades. His most recent album, "A Breukelen Story" (with producer Marco Polo) -- released in November 2018 -- features the track "Fight Song" (feat. Pharoahe Monch) -- a powerful glimpse into the reality of MS. He was diagnosed with MS in 2000, but did not disclose it publicly until 2013. Join us as we talk with him about his MS journey -- we chat about diet, exercise, his career, and what keeps him sane. You don't want to miss this exciting episode. It was such an honor to talk with him. Find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com. Check us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @myelinmelanin. We would like to thank our music producer Sha Severe for blessing us with the amazing special beat in honor of Masta Ace. You can find him on Instagram @sha.severe and Twitter @shamsta19

Being diagnosed with MS is a terrifying event. Being diagnosed with a chronic, potentially disabling and incurable disease is a traumatic event. It doesn't end there, though. MS is a series of traumas -- its unpredictability, and progressive nature create a lifelong litany of traumatic events that people with MS live with. Bring on the anxiety. Bring on the stress. Bring on a potential exacerbation due to the stress. It's a cycle. Join us as we welcome psychologist Dr. Virginia (Ginny) Seewaldt, who talks us through some of these concepts as well as some fantastic techniques for managing anxiety in light of the continuous stress that MS brings. She even walks us through some of this techniques. You don't want to miss this episode! We also need to mention that today, January 19th, marks the one year anniversary of the podcast! Thank you all for listening and being on this journey with us. Find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com as well as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @myelinmelanin.

Tune in to hear about Daana's rehab experience, as well as musings about emotional intelligence and the power of language. Check us out on the web: www.myelinandmelanin.com Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @myelinmelanin

Cannabis, especially as it relates to its benefits for chronic health conditions like MS, has been a hot topic lately. It is one that is very personal to us. As medical (and even recreational) marijuana is being legalized more and more across the U.S. (and the world), we felt it was important to further explore this topic. Join us as we talk with JD, a Wellness Consultant at Greenhouse Wellness in Maryland. He educates and enlightens us, while demystifying this fascinating topic. Check out Greenhouse Wellness on the web: www.greenhousewellness.com, on Instagram @greenhousewellnessmd

Living life to the fullest with multiple sclerosis is hard, but it's not impossible. Join us as we talk with Dr. Aaron Boster, MD, a clinical neuroimmunologist who specializes in treating MS. He shares with us the concept of "paradigm shifting" as a way to reframe the narrative, change your lens, and live your best life -- in spite of MS. We'll also share our own tips. [ Please forgive our technical difficulties. ] Check us out on the web: www.myelinandmelanin.com Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @myelinmelanin