Welcome to season two of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! Thank you for being here! For episode one, join me as I sit down with Katrina and Corey, the founders of Covid Safe Colorado. Covid Safe Colorado is a grassroots organization dedicated to providing high-quality masks to vulnerable communities in the state. Learn about their journey from starting a mask bloc to building a supportive network of volunteers.

In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of pandemic activism, the importance of community-led initiatives, and the personal impact of long Covid. Katrina and I also share our experiences as "pacing buddies," exploring how mutual support can help navigate the complexities of chronic illness. If you're considering starting a mask bloc on your own, Corey and Katrina share their lessons learned and offer advice and resources to help you get started. Don't miss this conversation about compassion and the power of collective community care. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more episodes. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps me keep bringing you episodes.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

How to Start a Mask Bloc, a collaborative zine by Fight COVID NOLA, Mask Up Pittsburgh, Mask Bloc ATX, World Wide Mask Map, Masks for London, Mask Block UCD, Mask Bloc LA, and Charlotte Mask Bloc, found at Worldwide Mask Bloc Directory – Find your local Mask Bloc Covid Safe Colorado's website and Instagram

Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Katrina's podcast, Dreaming Back to the Earth

Don't forget to check out the podcast's playlist. Each guest is asked to share their long covid theme song: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7399eb50bf8a4a9d

Season 1 Episode 17

In this final episode of the podcast for season 1, I got to chat with Sophie, the founder and Creative Director of Berlin Buyers Club. From their website: "Berlin Buyers Club was born in March 2023 with three goals:

1. To spread awareness of Long Covid and adjacent diseases in a way that is relatable and accessible to younger people, as well as anyone else who feels drawn to the vibe.

2. To encourage people to get involved in advocating for Long Covid & ME/CFS research, treatments, preventatives, and cures.

3. To offer a safe space for people with Long Covid, ME/CFS, and PSSD and their allies.
If you can relate to any of this, if you'd like to help us spread the message, if you're interested in normalizing discussion about Long Covid and the need for treatments and preventatives, if you want clean air... Then you're a part of the Club too! Welcome."

Sophie and I discussed her experience with long covid, how she came to start BBC, how it has impacted her, and yes, we talk about how cool it was to see Violet Affleck wearing some of the Berlin Buyer's Club merch! We talk about what healthcare has looked for each of us in our respective countries of residence, ways to channel our anger, and advocacy efforts. I hope you'll tune in!

Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Sophie for joining me!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content.

My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠

Sophie's Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/sophsoph.psd/

And the Insta for Berlin Buyer's Club is: https://www.instagram.com/berlin_buyers_club/

Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=c5c70f678a7d4d4d

Season 1 Episode 16: Damn it, Amy!

Join me as I chat with Amy, a writer, social worker, long covid & ME/CFS advocate, and the brilliant mind behind The Tonic (https://amythetonic.substack.com/) – a refreshing blend of wellness resources and stories for those battling chronic illness.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to break free from the achievement trap and find validation on your terms.
• Amy's personal journey with long covid, including her fight for long-term disability.
• The inspiring story behind The Tonic, and how it injects laughter and hope into chronic illness journeys.

Whether you're a long hauler yourself, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you.

#LongCovid #Hope #ChronicIllness #TheTonic

P.S. Looking for more resources on long covid and ME/CFS? Check out Amy's blog, The Tonic!

Mentioned in this episode:

Amy's HealthRising piece on Long Covid and Disability: https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2023/03/02/my-long-covid-disability-journey/

Pain Free You on YouTube with Dan Buglio: https://www.youtube.com/@PainFreeYou

Amy Hamilton at Core Connections Counseling: https://www.coreconnectionscounselling.com/

Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Dr. Laurie Nadel for joining me!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content.

My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠

Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=c5c70f678a7d4d4d