Live Well with Arthritis

Episode 11: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast
#11 Hormones and Arthritis: Emily’s Period Pain Strategies and More
In this 20-minute episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson navigates the complex relationship between your hormones and joint pain... with a particular attention on periods. Drawing from her current nutritional therapy studies and her own lived experience, Emily shares how hormonal shifts can 'add fuel to the fire' of arthritis inflammation. Discover the science behind why your pain levels change, Emily's personal toolkit for managing period flares, and the surprising role testosterone plays in male joint health.
Topics covered:
The Four Pillars of Pain: The four possible instigators that increase pain during your period
The 'Joint Bodyguard': How testosterone levels can influence the risk of arthritis
The Adipose Connection: How body fat around the middle can create more inflammation
Emily’s Essential Remedies: From a TENS machine to CBD to fast-acting pain relief
Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Supporting your system with omega-3s, magnesium, and iron
Stress Relief: How managing cortisol and maximising rest can help
About the podcast:
With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.
Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.
Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:
Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie
Website: https://arthritisfoodie.com/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 10: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast
#10 Route to Recovery: Navigating Chronic Fatigue with Lauren Windas
In this episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by registered nutritionist, naturopath, and author Lauren Windas to tackle one of the most misunderstood symptoms of living with arthritis: chronic fatigue. As the co-founder of Ardere, Lauren brings both professional expertise and personal insight into how we can reclaim our energy.
Drawing on her own journey, Lauren explains the complex science behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and its significant overlap with inflammatory conditions. She explains why fatigue is more than just 'being tired' and offers a route to recovery.
Topics covered:
Lauren’s Story: Overcoming post-viral fatigue to supporting others
Science of Fatigue: The 3 Ps (Predisposition, Precipitating triggers, & Perpetuating factors)
Medical Mishaps: Why standard tests often miss nervous/immune dysregulation
Gut-Brain Link: How the gut and neuroinflammation influence brain fog & joint pain
Navigating Healthcare: How to avocate for yourself and your symptoms
Strategies for Recovery: Tips on pacing, mitochondrial support, and mindset

About the podcast:
With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.
Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.
Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:
Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Lauren Windas @laurenwindasnutritionist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenwindasnutritionist/?hl=en
Website: https://www.laurenwindas.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BHFZGTY?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzarthriti-21

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 9: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast
#9 Yoga for Every Body: Dr. Steffany Moonaz on Reducing Arthritis Pain
In this transformative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with Dr. Steffany Moonaz, the founder of Yoga for Arthritis and a leading research director and professor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Dr. Moonaz bridges the gap between ancient mindfulness and modern neuroscience to explain how yoga can be a powerful clinical tool for managing arthritis.
Drawing on decades of research, her own personal journey with arthritis, and her book Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle she explains how we can 'rewire' our brain's response to pain. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to movement that focuses on finding joy in the body again.
Topics covered:
Neuroscience of Pain: Why 'pain is necessary, but suffering is optional.'
Stress-Pain Cycle: Using breathwork to 'downshift' the nervous system during flares.
Healing Directions: How meditation (top-down) and movement (bottom-up) reduce pain signals.
Yoga 'Meals' vs. 'Snacks': Simple ways to fit 5-minute movement breaks into your day.
Ahimsa (Non-Harming): How to safely adapt poses for your specific joint limitations.
Yoga Therapy: Why a personalised approach is the gold standard for chronic pain.
Personal Journey: How her dance background and own diagnosis shapes patient care.
Finding Support: Tips for finding a safe, inclusive, and qualified yoga teacher.

About the podcast:
With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.
Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.
Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:
Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Dr Steffany Moonaz @drmoonaz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmoonaz/
Website: https://www.arthritis.yoga/
Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 8: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast
#8 Food, Fibre & Inflammation: How Diet Shapes Arthritis with Dr Michael Greger
In this expert-led episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by world renowned physician, author, and nutrition researcher Dr Michael Greger, bestselling author of How Not to Die, How Not to Age, and How to Survive a Pandemic, and founder of science-based nonprofit charity NutritionFacts.org.
Together, they explore the role nutrition plays arthritis, unpacking common misconceptions about genetics, inflammation, and how lifestyle choices can influence joint health.
Drawing on decades of research and clinical evidence, Dr Greger explains how diet, particularly fibre-rich, whole plant foods can support the immune system, gut microbiome, and inflammatory pathways involved in arthritis, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disease.
Topics covered:
What inflammation means in arthritis
Genetics vs environment and lifestyle risk factors
Gut health, fibre, and immune health
Plant-based diets and inflammatory conditions
Food poisoning, gut infections, and autoimmune arthritis
Fibre, key anti-inflammatory foods and simple changes
The role of sleep, stress, and movement
Taking ownership of long-term health

About the podcast:
With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.
Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.
Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:
Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Dr Michael Greger @MichaelGregerMD:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgregermd/
@nutrition_facts_org: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_facts_org/
Website: https://nutritionfacts.org/
Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 7: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast
#7 A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Arthritis with Dr Julekha Wajed
In this informative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with NHS consultant rheumatologist Dr Julekha Wajed (also known as Dr Julie) to unpack what arthritis really is, why early diagnosis matters, and how modern treatment approaches support people to live full, active lives with arthritis.
Drawing on 10+ years of clinical experience, Dr Julie explains how arthritis is diagnosed, and why a personalised, whole-person approach (medication, lifestyle strategies, and shared decision-making) leads to the best long-term outcomes. This episode addresses common fears around diagnosis and medication, providing reassurance and hope for anyone navigating arthritis care.
Topics covered:
Early warning signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritis
Why early diagnosis can improve outcomes and reduce long-term joint damage
How arthritis is diagnosed, including blood tests, imaging, and clinical assessment
Modern treatment plans, including DMARDs and biologics, and how they are individualised
Addressing medication fears, side effects, and common misconceptions
The role of lifestyle factors such as movement, rest, stress management, and nutrition alongside medical care
The importance of trust, communication, and partnership between patients and their rheumatology team
What “living well with arthritis” means from a rheumatologist’s perspective
A hopeful real-world case study showing how early diagnosis and the right treatment can transform quality of life
About the podcast:
With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.
Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.
Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:
Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Dr Julekha Wajed @arthritis_dr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_dr/
Website: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/dr-julekha-wajed
Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie