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Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate the healthcare system for a seriously ill loved one? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Galyean, author of "Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves," to explore how to effectively advocate for those we care about most.

Turning Personal Tragedy into a Mission

Erin shares her heartbreaking journey of losing both her father and sister to cancer, and how these experiences fueled her passion for patient advocacy. We discuss:

• The emotional toll of caring for a seriously ill family member.
• How Erin's background in pharmaceutical sales equipped her for advocacy.
• Why she decided to write a book to help others navigate similar challenges.

Essential Advocacy Strategies - Discover practical tips to become a more effective advocate:

• The power of keeping organized notes and recordings.
• Building a support team to share caregiving responsibilities.
• Asking open-ended questions to get more information from healthcare providers.
• Preparing for appointments with a prioritized list of questions.

Nurturing Connection During Illness

Erin introduces her new journal, "Getting Through This Together," designed to:

• Foster meaningful conversations between patients and loved ones.
• Provide a treasured keepsake of shared memories.
• Offer a form of self-care for both patients and caregivers.

Whether you're currently supporting a loved one through illness or want to be prepared for future challenges, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you become the advocate your family deserves.

Remember, you have the power to make a difference in your loved one's care – it's time to embrace your inner badass advocate!

Resources:

Erin Galyean Website

Badass Advocate: Becoming The Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves

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Have you ever felt trapped in the darkness of mental illness, unsure if there's a way out? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Dave Mowry, a stand-up comedian who's turning his struggles with bipolar disorder into laughter and hope for others.

The Moment Everything Changed

• The sudden "snap" that derailed his life
• Years of isolation and debilitating depression
• The crucial role his wife played in his survival and recovery

Navigating the Mental Health Maze

• The challenges of getting an accurate diagnosis
• Why finding the right care team can be challenging
• How comedy became an unexpected lifeline

Transforming Pain into Purpose

• Using humor to rewire negative thought patterns
• Teaching stand-up to others with mental illness
• The power of sharing your story to shatter stigma

Dave's journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there's hope for a brighter future. His unique approach to mental health advocacy – using laughter as medicine – offers a fresh perspective on healing and resilience.

Whether you're struggling with mental health challenges yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode provides:

• Practical advice for coping with severe depression and anxiety
• Insights into the transformative power of humor and self-expression
• Encouragement to keep pushing forward, one step at a time

Don't miss Dave's gentle yet powerful message: You are not alone, and your story matters. It's time to break the silence and find the courage to laugh in the face of adversity.

Resources:

OMG That’s Me…Book

BP Hope - Blog

National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Have you ever found yourself suddenly without health insurance, wondering what to do next? Whether you've lost your job, aged out of your parents' plan, or experienced another life-changing event, navigating the world of health insurance outside of standard enrollment periods can feel overwhelming. But don't worry – you're not alone, and you have options.

Understanding Your Insurance Options

• The difference between on-Exchange and off-Exchange plans
• How income affects your eligibility for subsidies and cost-sharing reductions
• Why the distinction matters for your wallet and coverage

Qualifying Life Events for Special Enrollment

• Changes in household composition (marriage, divorce, new baby)
• Loss of existing coverage (job loss, aging out of parents' plan)
• Changes in residence or income
• Real-life scenarios that might surprise you

Navigating the Enrollment Process

• Key deadlines and timeframes you can't afford to miss
• How to prove your eligibility for special enrollment
• The benefits of working with a licensed broker (at no cost to you!)

Don't let the complexity of health insurance leave you feeling paralyzed. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your healthcare journey, even when the unexpected happens.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your health coverage. Are you ready to get Savvy about Special Enrollment Periods and ensure you're never caught without the protection you need?

Resources

Advocate Healthcare Consulting

Special Enrollment Periods

Turned 26 – Get Your Own Healthcare Insurance

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