The Fine, But Not Fine Podcast

Inside Rare Disease Week: Taking Advocacy to Capitol Hill (Part 2), Ep. 30

In Part 2 of my Rare Disease Week experience, I take you inside what it’s actually like meeting with lawmakers and their staff on Capitol Hill. I talk about how patient stories influence policy, how advocacy conversations unfold, and why showing up matters for the rare disease community.

Inside Rare Disease Week: A Patient Advocate on Capitol Hill (Part 1), Ep. 29

I just returned from Rare Disease Week in Washington, DC, where patients, caregivers, and advocates come together to push for change in the healthcare system. In this episode, I share what federal advocacy actually looks like—from packed briefing rooms to meetings on Capitol Hill—and why these conversations matter so much for people living with rare diseases. I talk about what surprised me, what I learned, and why patient voices are essential in shaping healthcare policy.

Going to DC for Rare Disease Week - Ep. 28

This episode is the “before.” Before I head to Washington, DC for Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill, I share why I said yes, how I’ve prepared, and what I’ll be advocating for as a rare disease patient. We talk about insurance denials, the Protect Rare Act, and how advocacy can look different for each of us—at the national, state, or local level.

One Year Anniversary of Fine, But Not Fine - Ep. 27

One year into Fine, But Not Fine, I’m reflecting on why I started this podcast, what I planned for, and what surprised me along the way. This episode isn’t a highlight reel—it’s an honest look at living with chronic illness inside a healthcare and insurance system that asks too much of patients. I talk about anger, advocacy, learning to live with uncertainty, and the quiet truth that even when things are hard, life keeps on living.

The First Time Cancer Interrupted My Job - Ep. 26

In this episode, I share a day that looked fine on the outside—but quietly changed something in me. A cancer treatment and a work crisis collided, and for the first time in ten years, I couldn’t keep my illness and my job in separate lanes. Nothing broke, but the fear did. This is an honest reflection on capacity versus commitment, the invisible stakes of health and work, and what it feels like when the margin you depend on suddenly disappears. There’s no takeaway—just the truth of sitting with it.

Managing Multiple Doctors - Ep. 25

Managing multiple doctors with a rare disease or chronic illness is complicated, confusing, and honestly, exhausting. In this episode, I talk about what it’s really like to juggle doctors who don’t talk to each other — from conflicting advice and duplicate lab tests to the emotional toll of telling your story over and over again. I share the strategies that help me stay (somewhat) sane, like keeping my own records, maintaining a master medication list, and advocating out loud — even when it feels pushy. 

Redefining Holiday Joy with a Rare Disease - Ep. 24

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be joyful, especially when you're living with a rare disease or chronic illness. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to let go of stress, overspending, and obligation — from going out for Thanksgiving dinner to skipping holiday travel — and focus instead on peace, connection, and real joy.

Rare Disease Fatigue is Real - Ep. - 23

In this episode, I open up about rare disease fatigue—physical exhaustion from treatment, the emotional weight of constant advocacy, and the endless admin grind of managing care. I share what triggers burnout, how I cope through energy management, creativity, and support, and why hitting a wall isn’t failure—it’s a signal to rest and rebuild.

Changing Jobs When You Have a Chronic Illness - Ep. 22

In this episode, I explore what it really means to change jobs when you’re living with a chronic illness. For me, it’s not just about a new role—it’s about whether my health and my coverage will hold steady. I talk through the tough parts and I share how to plan ahead so you don’t get caught in a coverage gap, and the emotional weight of navigating it all. I also walk through my own solution—a job transition binder packed with medical and insurance details—and why leaning on HR, advocacy groups, and your support system can make the whole process survivable.

Traveling With a Rare Disease - Ep. 21

Traveling with a rare disease isn’t simple—especially when your medication has to stay cold. In this episode, I share the real challenges of flying with Mycosis Fungoides, from packing syringes and sharps containers to navigating TSA rules. I talk about the hotel fridge disaster that forced me to upgrade to a TSA-approved cooler and why planning ahead is the key to stress-free travel. Most of all, I remind you: don’t let fear of complications keep you from seeing the world.