Myelin & Melanin

March is MS Awareness Month. As the month ends, join us for a conversation with our sister in MS, the incredible Anna Sweeney! Anna Sweeney is a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian, Certified Intuitive Eating Specialist and owner of Whole Life Nutrition Counseling. She is an expert in the treatment of individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and emotional eating. Anna combines her knowledge of the science of nutrition and experience in the treatment of eating disorders with direct, compassionate, and heartfelt care to help her clients realize the pleasures of living a whole life. Anna is a recognized public figure on social media, where she does not shy away from talking about chronic illness, wellness culture, and how to navigate these tenuous spaces. Anna also proudly identifies herself as a disabled woman. In the context of Anna’s disability and inability to access nature in ways that she once could, Anna created the #inaccessibleviews hashtag where she asks for photos an

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the phenomenal Kym Oliver. Kym (half of the duo "The Triple Cripples") and Daana chat about race, intersectionality, disability, decolonization and all the things. So who is Kym Oliver? Kym is a multifaceted creative, thinker, writer, speaker and consultant, committed to envisioning an equitable future for those within the margins of the margins, through ideological and structural transformation. She is the 'Official Goddess’ for The Triple Cripples - a platform dedicated to highlighting the narratives and increasing the visibility of Black, & non-Black Melanated People, living with Disability (Features: BBC, Vogue, Al Jazeera+, British Library, University of Oxford, Wow Foundation, gal-dem, LSE, Estee Lauder, Virgin Media, Inner Hoe Uprising and more). Also. Check out the TED Talk ("Empowerment as a Disabled, Black Woman") that led Daana to Kym: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JOSVUX5FEg Find Kym on Instagramand Twitter @triplecripples and their website at h

Join us as we chat with the amazing Imani Barbarin! We were so excited for this conversation, y'all!   The epitome of Black Girl Magic and Disability Pride, Imani Barbarin, also known as Crutches & Spice, is one of the newest trending voices in intersectionality and representation media. Crowned the "Disability Hashtag Queen" by her fans, Imani is the creator of several trending hashtags including #DisTheOscars #AbledsAreWeird, and #ThingsDisabledPeopleKnow. Her sassy online presence has gained attention of large digital media platforms including Refinery 29, NPR, Yahoo, and politicians alike. She has modeled in Paris fashion shows, is a published Forbes contributor, and can be found on Hollywood billboards. Imani recently became an ambassador for REBDOLLS, a missy and plus size fashion brand that believes all women deserve amazing fashion. Imani is quickly becoming a Millennial favorite and online powerhouse.   -- Daana Townsend (she/her) a Professor and content creator; and Carlos Kareem Windham (they

As the Myelin & Melanin podcast draws to a close, join us for a special retrospective of moments with one of our favorite people -- Damian Washington. You'll hear clips from Episodes 43, 72 & 110. Enjoy! Find Damian on his website: damianwashington.com and on his vlog: http://youtube.com/nostressms. Check him out on Instagram @damianwashington and Twitter @deedubs57. Also find him on Facebook. As always, you can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. 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!

As the Myelin & Melanin Podcast comes to a close, we wanted to share some of our favorite moments with Carlos Kareem Windham. Carlos has been the most frequent guest on the show (appearing 13+ times over the past 4 seasons). Carlos co-hosted with Daana when we welcomed the acclaimed author Sonya Renee Taylor to the show (Episode 44). They appeared on our two party lines (Episodes 50 & 72) and in two of our intimacy series (Episodes 68, 69 & 100). They've shared countless gems over the years (Episodes 35, 36, 37, 58, 81, 115 & Bonuses). Enjoy our walk down memory lane. Find Carlos on Twitter @caballonegrito and Instagram @elcaballonegrito. Check out their show, "Smoke and Mirrors" on Facebook. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin.. 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 retrospective of some gems that Dr. Aaron Boster, MD has shared with us over the years. We are so honored to have been gifted his time and insight on the podcast over the past four seasons. We hope you enjoy this compilation of some of our favorite Dr. B. moments. You'll hear excerpts from Episodes 73 & 135 (from Seasons 3 & 4). We encourage you to listen to each episode in its entirety. They're brilliant. Dr. Aaron Boster, MD is President of The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis (bosterms.com). He is a board-certified Neurologist specializing in Multiple Sclerosis and related CNS inflammatory disorders. Find Dr. Boster on Twitter @aaronbostermd and YouTube. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. 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 retrospective of some gems that Dr. Aaron Boster, MD has shared with us over the years. We are so honored to have been gifted his time and insight on the podcast over the past four seasons. We hope you enjoy this compilation of some of our favorite Dr. B. moments. You'll hear excerpts from Episodes 17, 40 & 51 (from Seasons 1-3). We encourage you to listen to each episode in its entirety. They're brilliant. Dr. Aaron Boster, MD is President of The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis (bosterms.com). He is a board-certified Neurologist specializing in Multiple Sclerosis and related CNS inflammatory disorders. Find Dr. Boster on Twitter @aaronbostermd and YouTube. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com,  and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. 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!

One of the things we're most proud of is our commitment to addressing the topic of intimacy and its relationship to MS. Throughout the podcast, we've produced three intimacy series -- "That Part", "This Part" and "These Parts" (Intimacy & MS). Join us today for a retrospective of some of our favorite moments from our intimacy series. You'll hear clips feat. Mistress Magenta, (Episode 101) Keyonna Renea (Episode 95), Bethy Bright and Dark, Ardra Shephard, Carlos Kareem Windham & Damian Washington (Episode 72), and Carlos Kareem Windham (Episode 100). We hope you enjoy! You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. 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!

She's been called "the Maya Angelou of the Millennial generation". Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with the poet, actress, and fellow MSer, Azure Antoinette. We talk about MS, representation, and visibility. Find Azure on Instagram @hello_azureantoinette, Twitter @AzureAntoinette, and her website: azureantoinette.com. Go check out the article to which we refer in the episode: Why Representation Matters When Living with MS You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. 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!

She's been called "the Maya Angelou of the Millennial generation". Join us for Part 1 of our conversation with the poet, actress, and fellow MSer, Azure Antoinette. We talk about MS, representation, and visibility. Find Azure on Instagram @hello_azureantoinette, Twitter @AzureAntoinette, and her website: azureantoinette.com. Go check out the article to which we refer in the episode: Why Representation Matters When Living with MS You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. 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!  

Intimacy extends beyond romantic relationships. Today we're joined by Dr. Aaron Boster, MD, and we chat about one of the most intimate relationships an MSer will ever have -- with their MS specialist.  Dr. Aaron Boster, MD is President of The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis (bosterms.com). He is a board-certified Neurologist specializing in Multiple Sclerosis and related CNS inflammatory disorders. Find Dr. Boster on Twitter @aaronbostermd and YouTube. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. 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 2 of Chapter 4 of our latest intimacy series. Intimacy is about closeness and connection -- not just human connection. The closeness we have with our pets is special-- especially when you have a chronic illness. Today we chat with Damian Washington about his dog Cooper. Find Damian on his website: damianwashington.com and on his vlog: http://youtube.com/nostressms. Check him out on Instagram @damianwashington and Twitter @deedubs57. Find him on Facebook. As always, you can find us on the web at myelinandmelanin.com, and Twitter @myelinmelanin. You can also subscribe to us on YouTube. 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!

Spirituality and intimacy? We are joined, this week by fellow MSer, Keesha (Kiki) Charles for a discussion of spiritual intimacy. How does spirituality impact life with chronic illness, MS in particular? Find Keesha (Kiki) on Instagram @kikicharles. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com, and on Twitter @myelinmelanin. 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. Peace.

When a person is diagnosed with MS, the entire family is diagnosed with MS. In Chapter 2 of our latest intimacy series, we focus on connection and families. We are joined by two amazing MS care partners -- Becca Agauas & Courtney Townsend. Becca's mother, Faith has MS, and she shares her reflections on the importance of communication. Find Becca on Instagram @youkeepmesmyelin. Courtney is Daana's sister. She shares her reflections on the importance of patience. ** Courtney's story begins at approximately 20 minutes. You can find Courtney on Instagram @i_am_courtneyclare. You can find us on the web at http://myelinandmelanin.com and on Twitter @myelinmelanin.  If you enjoy the podcast, please take a minute to leave us a 5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts. Peace.

We're embarking on another intimacy series, but it's not what you think. We know that intimacy is much more than physical or romantic, even. In this series, we focus on connection and the many different ways that intimacy is fostered #becausems. Today we're joined by Lydia Guillory and Cathy Chester. They share their very different stories about how connection, vulnerability, and MS have collided and influenced their respective marriages. Find Lydia on Instagram @love.laugh.lydia, and her website http://lovelaughlydia.com. Find Cathy on Instagram @thecathychester, Twitter @cathyches, and her blog at http://anempoweredspirit.com. ** Cathy's story begins at approximately 29:15.  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 off

Join us for Part III of "The Language of MS" -- a 3 part series produced in partnership with Emilyn. Today we chat about "toxic positivity". It's not just "good vibes only" when it comes to a disease like MS. All vibes should be welcomed... Emilyn is a free MS companion app to help manage life with MS. On Emilyn you can log your symptoms, medications and download reports to share with your doctors. You can also get advice about symptoms and connect with other people with MS. Download the Emilyn: My MS Companion app for Apple and Android devices. 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

Join us for Part II of "The Language of MS" -- a 3 part series produced in partnership with Emilyn. Has anyone ever told you that if you had more faith or prayed harder your illness would be cured? It's happened to us, and it's gross. Today we chat about something called "spiritual bypass". Download the Emilyn: My MS Companion app for Apple and Android devices. 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

We are joined by two fantastic past guests -- Anna Sweeney, MS, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S, and Achea Redd -- for a chat about body narratives and how they are shaped by wellness culture. You can find Achea's books 'Be Free. Be You.' and 'Authentic You: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up Fearless and True' on Amazon and all booksellers. You can connect with her online on Instagram @achearedd and http://achearedd.com. Sign up for her weekly newsletter. 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 ge

  Join us for Part I of "The Language of MS" -- a 3 part series produced in partnership with Emilyn. Today we talk about the super problematic quasi-compliment "But you don't look sick" that many MSers have faced. Don't miss this great conversation.   Emilyn is a free MS companion app to help manage life with MS. On Emilyn you can log your symptoms, medications and download reports to share with your doctors. You can also get advice about symptoms and connect with other people with MS.   Download the Emilyn: My MS Companion app for free on  the App Store and Google Play.   the 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, podcas

Join us for a conversation with the blogger, advocate and according to Damian Washington the "O-est of Gs" in the MS world -- the amazing Cathy Chester. THE Cathy Chester. Find Cathy on Instagram @thecathychester, Twitter @cathyches, and her blog at http://anempoweredspirit.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.