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Tripping On Air

Health & Wellness Podcasts

Ardra Shephard brings her confessional/informational blog Tripping On Air to the podcast airways where she spills the tea on what it’s really like to live with MS. Joining Ardra is co-host Alex Hajjar (Social Animals podcast), an MS expert by marriage. Tune in monthly as Ardra and Alex explore the dynamics between patients and partners, share chronic-illness life-hacks, and dish about everything from symptoms to stigma. Tripping On Air invites the cool kids of chronic illness to hang out, have a laugh, learn some tips, and above all, feel seen.

Location:

Canada

Description:

Ardra Shephard brings her confessional/informational blog Tripping On Air to the podcast airways where she spills the tea on what it’s really like to live with MS. Joining Ardra is co-host Alex Hajjar (Social Animals podcast), an MS expert by marriage. Tune in monthly as Ardra and Alex explore the dynamics between patients and partners, share chronic-illness life-hacks, and dish about everything from symptoms to stigma. Tripping On Air invites the cool kids of chronic illness to hang out, have a laugh, learn some tips, and above all, feel seen.

Language:

English


Episodes
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2024 Holiday Gift Guide

11/22/2024
Enter the Giveaway *Must be a resident of Canada. Giveaway contest closes December 13th at midnight Eastern. Enter once a day until then! The 2024 Tripping On Air Holiday Gift guide is here and it’s bigger and better than ever, because we know that the right gift can make MS, or any chronic illness, suck just a little bit less. This list is full of gifts for people with MS as well as incredible giveaways from brands like Cadense Adaptive, Aille Design, Cheekbone Beauty, byAcre, FUMS and IZ Adaptive! You do not want to miss it! Highlights Links: Aille DesignPrairie VeloFUMS YouTube Channel About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:44:14

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Getting Your Groove Back: Navigating MS & Sexual Dysfunction

7/19/2024
MS-related Sexual Dysfunction is a medical issue that should be taken seriously. If MS is impacting your sex life, you are not alone and it is not your fault. From symptoms to solutions, we're talking about how MS can mess with your mojo and what you can do to keep MS out of the bedroom. Highlights Links: How To Hack Your Sex Life When MS Messes With Your Mojo Testosterone and Remyelination: Does it work? About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:31:18

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10 Rare Or Unusual MS Symptoms That Might Surprise You

6/14/2024
MS is a disease of the central nervous system, which means whatever can go wrong, might go wrong. We’re talking about 10 rare or unusual symptoms you may not associate with MS. From hiccups to hearing loss, it’s not all in your head (it’s in your brain and spinal cord!) Plus, stay tuned to the end of the episode for my latest MS life hack. Highlights References: MS HiccupsMS & Hearing-LossItchingMS & OsteoporosisMS & SleepDoes this taste weird to you?The Worst Symptom of MSMS & PTSDNespresso & Sustainability About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:39:29

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Tripping On Answers: Celebs, Sex & Self-Motivation

5/10/2024
We're answering your wildest MS questions: from dishing about celebrities with MS, to spilling the tea on taboo topics like sex, fatigue, and everything in between, we're diving deep, no holds barred. Be sure to stay tuned to the very end for my latest MS life-hack and product recommendation! Highlights Reference: The Hobblicious ChroniclesThe Truth About How People With MS Feel About Selma BlairMeSsy podcastEBV vaccine & MSRest is Resistance BookTop 10 Myths About MSWhat The Heck Is Smouldering MS?On Consolation: by Michael IgnatieffHow To Hack Your Sex Life When MS Messes With Your MojoProduct recommendation: Hot Water Bottle For Your Feet! About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:44:18

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The Pros and Cons of Complaining About MS

4/12/2024
Whether you hate Mondays or your mother-in-law, we all get sucked into a complaining vortex from time to time. But when it comes to chronic illnesses like MS, the pressure to be a palatable patient–plucky, upbeat, optimistic–is pervasive. If you need to vent, you’re in the right place. We’re talking about how keeping it real and occasionally complaining about MS can be normal and even healthy. Highlights About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:31:12

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Neuroplasticity and MS with Dr. Gretchen Hawley

3/8/2024
Exercise is a powerful DMT (disease modifying therapy). Dr. Gretchen Hawley, Certified MS Specialist & Author of "The MSing Link," joins us to talk about the magic of neuroplasticity and the targeted physiotherapy that can help improve strength and MS symptoms. Plus, if you’re like me and exercising with MS feels completely overwhelming, Dr. Gretchen’s got tips to keep us motivated even on our MSiest days. Highlights: Guest Bio: Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCS Dr. Gretchen is a Physical Therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist since 2013. She’s the founder and creator of The MSing Link, an online program offering services to help people with MS worldwide feel more confident in their strength, walking, and daily activities. Dr. Gretchen has been featured in publications such as Forbes, National MS Society, Overcoming MS, MS-UK, and MS Views & News. Additionally, Dr. Gretchen has made numerous television appearances and is a frequent presenter at national & international MS conferences. Relevant Links: Official Website for Dr. Gretchen Hawley - https://www.drgretchenhawley.com/ Find Dr. Gretchen Hawley's Empowered Living with the MSing Link on YouTube About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:42:25

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What the Heck is Smouldering MS?

2/9/2024
Ever wondered why your MS seems to be getting worse even though you’re not having any relapses? Your MRI is stable but you feel anything but? We’re speaking with Dr. Jiwon Oh of the BARLO MS Centre about what the heck Smouldering MS is and what we can do about it. Whether you’re hearing about Smouldering MS for the first time or you’re looking for the latest in scientific research, you’re not going to want to miss this episode. Highlights: Guest Bio: Dr. Jiwon Oh is a staff neurologist, scientist, and Medical Director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program at St. Michael’s Hospital. Do Oh is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. She specializes in the care of people living with MS. Dr. Oh’s research focuses on developing advanced MRI techniques in the spinal cord and brain for use in clinical settings. She leads the MRI research program at St. Michael’s Hospital, and is the principal investigator on numerous local and multi-center collaborative studies, including the Canadian Prospective Cohort Study to Understand Progression in MS (CanProCo), which is a national prospective cohort study designed to better understand progression in MS. Dr. Oh is also the Secretary and an Executive Committee member of the North American Imaging in MS Cooperative (NAIMS) representing a multi-national collaborative MRI research endeavor in MS with over 35 sites in North America. She is deeply committed to caring for people with MS, educating future generations of clinicians and scientists, and contributing to scientific developments that will drive the field forward. Relevant Links: “Getting Worse” article from MS Selfie BARLO MS Centre About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:37:37

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How to Reinvent When MS (or Anything Else) Threatens Your Sense of Purpose

1/12/2024
Losing a sense of purpose can be one of the more devastating invisible symptoms of MS. But perfect health is not a prerequisite for a life of meaning. On this episode of the Tripping On Air podcast we’re talking about how to reinvent when MS (or anything) tries to get in the way of your identity and sense of purpose. Highlights: About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:27:12

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2023 Holiday Gift Guide

11/24/2023
The annual Tripping On Air Holiday Gift guide is here and it’s bigger and better than ever, because we know that the right gift can make MS, or any chronic illness, suck just a little bit less. We’ve got 19 gifts for people with MS and more than two thousand dollars worth of giveaways you do not want to miss. AMI and Tripping On Air are getting into the holiday spirit and giving away 16 Prizes from our 2023 MS Holiday Gift Guide. The contest period begins November 24, 2023, and ends December 7, 2023 and is open to Canadian Residents. Find full details on our website: https://www.ami.ca/toacontest Highlights: Related Links: Tripping On Air on Instagram Gift Guide Contest WebsiteJacqueline Lapuck JewelryIndie Lee Skincare ProductsbyACRE RollatorsThe MS GymBeCare MSLink AppJulie StammThe MSing Link: Dr. Gretchen Hawley About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:45:39

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Skip The Mistletoe: 12 Tips For Tripping Through The Holidays With MS

11/10/2023
Synopsis Whether it’s fatigue, concerns about accessibility, or even sensory overload, MS can make the festive season feel like more trouble than it’s worth. If you’re tempted to just stay home and sit the celebrations out, this episode is for you. We’ve got 12 tips to make sure your social life isn’t a casualty of MS. Plus, you’re gonna wanna share this episode with the party people in your life, because we’ve got tips for what your friends and family can do to make sure you can all enjoy the holidays together. Link to :https://trippingonair.com/ Episode Highlights: Tip 1: Picking an accessible party venue (2:50) Stopgap.ca: an organization that makes custom ramps to help make inaccessible venues more accessible (3:50) Tip 2: Pre-Rest Before Events (5:17) Tip 3: Be Flexible (8:01) Tip 4: Let Go of the Guilt (9:42) Tip 5: Lower Your Expectations (12:43) Tip 6: Have a Plan B (15:11) Tip 7: If You’re Sick, Stay Home (18:43) Tip 8: Cut Corners (20:48) Tip 9: Communicate at a Neutral Time (24:37) Tip 10: Drink Water, Stick to your Diet, Exercise and Sleep Routine (28:39) Tip 11: Do not Judge (30:52) Tip 12: Plan for Downtime the Day After a Party (33:17) Alex’s Band: Howlin’ Circus (34:54) About Ardra Ardra Shephard is a sought-after writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air has an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv’s lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra’s personal essays and non-fiction work have appeared in FASHION magazine, InStyle, WebMD and others. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and a powerful social media presence. Yahoo Lifestyle reported that “@ms_trippingonair is the number one chronic illness account to follow on Instagram.” Reference: https://trippingonair.com/about-me About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:37:27

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Sick Little Secret: The Pros and Cons of Coming Out with MS

10/13/2023
One third of people with MS keep their diagnosis classified. Of those, one in ten hide their MS from family members and romantic partners. We chat with Juan Garrido, a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ and MS communities about the parallels between homophobia and ableism and how ultimately being accepted for who you are starts with accepting and loving yourself. Synopsis: On this episode of 'Tripping on Air' hosts, Ardra Shephard & Alex Hajjar talk to Juan Garrido about his experiences as a member of both the queer and MS communities. They discuss the similarities between homophobia and ableism, the importance of community support, and the different ways individuals choose to disclose their MS diagnosis, highlighting the need for diverse representation and support for people with MS. Episode Highlights: About Juan Garrido: Juan Luis Garrido is a digital strategist, a co-chair for the LGBT YouthLine, an advocate for the MS Society. Reference: https://myrules.ca/en/ms-stories/juan-luis-garrido Host Descriptions: Ardra is a fair-skinned woman with faux blonde hair and all natural freckles, who uses mobility aids to ambulate. Alex is a formerly-haired bespectacled dude with olive-skin and broad-shoulders. Relevant links: https://trippingonair.com/ https://trippingonair.com/2021/04/whats-the-big-deal-about-coming-out-with-ms.html https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/news/new-research-ms-week-shows-13-people-ms-kept-it-secret https://www.bezzyms.com/discover/real-talk-ms/health-hiding-an-ms-diagnosis-is-way-too-common-something-has-to-change/ About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:33:00

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The Truth About MS And Mortality

5/11/2023
Newer, highly effective medications mean that MS outcomes are improving and that there's a lot to be hopeful about. This episode isn't meant to scare you, but to clarify what it means to die due to complications from MS, so that you can minimize your risk factors and live your best possible life. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:25:29

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Top 10 Myths About MS

4/13/2023
Did too much red wine and a book of spells give me MS? Almost certainly not. But that didn't stop me from worrying about every questionable decision I'd ever made that (I thought) might have caused my MS. Today's episode of the Tripping On Air podcast is a cheeky look at fact and way-off fiction as Alex and I dig into 10 of the biggest myths about MS. Trippers, this podcast is not medically reviewed, but here's some clarification. According to the CDC, "Epstein-Barr virus, or EBV, is one of the most common human viruses in the world. It spreads primarily through saliva. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, and other illnesses. Most people will get infected with EBV in their lifetime and will not have any symptoms." You can learn more about EBV and its relationship to Multiple Sclerosis at MS Canada who reports that: "After infection by EBV, the immune system produces antibodies against an invading virus and its proteins, and these antibodies also target the host’s myelin due to similarities between the proteins, triggering an autoimmune response. Molecular mimicry is one potential mechanism for how EBV infection may trigger MS." The Tripping On Air podcast should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your doctor with questions about your health or before kissing any frogs. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:34:32

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Mobility Aids 101

3/9/2023
From cool canes, to sporty trekking poles, to rollators that are literally transformative, mobility aids make life better…eventually. The transition to progressive MS is hard, and freaking out is a reasonable reaction. Grieve. And when you’re ready, tune in to this month’s episode for tips on how to find the right mobility aids that will work for you. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:51:15

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Travel Tips For Trippers

2/13/2023
There’s no vacation from MS. If you have any chronic condition, your illness is coming with you. Whether you’re packing fatigue, meds, or mobility aids, Ardra and Alex share hot tips on how to stay cool and make the most of your next getaway. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:46:06

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No Resolutions New Year with Zach Anner

1/5/2023
We are ringing in the New Year with one of my dream guests. Comedian, actor, writer, and the internet’s most optimistic guy, Zach Anner is on the pod to talk about everything from why you’re already awesome to how we’re all a little annoying, at least some of the time. Zach spills the tea on accessibility in Hollywood and what it was like working for Oprah’s network. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:52:54

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The Tripping On Air 2022 Holiday Gift Guide For People With MS

11/17/2022
If you have MS or any chronic illness, you deserve presents! This year's Tripping On Air Holiday Gift Guide features 12 gift ideas and 13 incredible giveaways, that are perfect for people with MS. Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:50:20

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Parenting and MS: Saying No To Stigma And Ableist Attitudes

10/13/2022
From microaggressions to super-powers, we’re dishing about parenting with a chronic illness or disability with the fabulous Rebekah Taussig, author of Sitting Pretty. If you’re a parent with MS or you’re thinking of becoming one, you do not want to miss this episode. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:38:34

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Dating with Progressive MS

9/15/2022
Ardra and Alex dish with Darcy, Ardra's girlfriend since grade school, about what it's like to re-enter the dating world with progressive MS. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:29:07

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The stress of disability insurance claims

8/11/2022
Fatigue is the No. 1 reason people with MS work less or stop working. But fatigue is impossible to see, difficult to understand, and hard to prove. We’re speaking with insurance litigator Laura Hillyer about how to successfully navigate your disability benefits claim with your sense of self and your sanity intact. About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim. Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation. Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists. Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex Hajjar Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship. A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air" The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

Duration:00:31:50